This is to let you know that the moonsighting committee received credible moon
sighting reports, in accordance with our approved criteria. Therefore, Sunday,
August 19th, will be Eid-ul-Fitr, the first day of Shawwal, 1433, in shaa Allah
Taala.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and blessed
Eid, may Allah Subhanaho wa Taala accept our Syam, our Qyam, and all our good
deeds, forgive us all our shortcomings and guide us toward success in this life
and the hereafter. Please also remember our brothers and sisters around the
world in your duaa, especially those who may not be able to celebrate Eid fully
because of the hardships they are currently facing.

Moonsighting result will be posted here on Saturday, August 18th, after 9:30 PM, in shaa Allah

August 17, 2012

Two Gazette articles and one Editorial about the PQ Charter of Secularism and Ben Habib...

August 16, 2012

Please check the following two articles and one
editorial about the PQ Charter of Secularism, and the involvement of Ben Habib.

1. Editorial: The PQ’s cynical, offensive ‘charter of secularism’

Montreal Gazette:
As if the threat of separation wasn’t enough, Parti Québécois leader Pauline
Marois has given reasonable-minded voters another reason to shun her party at
the polls on Sept. 4.

She wants to bar public servants from wearing turbans, kippahs or hijabs, but
not — God forbid — the crucifix.

Under the guise of wanting to rid “conspicuous religious signs” from the liquor
stores, tax-collection offices and other state institutions of the province,
Marois announced her party’s “charter of secularism” Tuesday during a campaign
stop in Trois Rivières.Continue reading

MCM Announces Ramadan starts Saturday, July 21st, 2012

July 19, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Assalamou
alaikoum wa rahmatou Allahi wa barakatouh,

This is
to let you know that the moon has not been sighted in accordance with our
agreed upon criteria. Therefore, the first day of Ramadan 1433 will be on Saturday,
July 21st, 2012, in shaa Allah Taala.

Furthermore,
I would like to remind you that this year's recommendation for Sadaqat-ul-Fitr is
$8.00 per person.

On behalf of MCM, and myself, I would like to
take this opportunity to wish you all, and your families, a very blessed
Ramadan. May Allah Taala make it easy for us, change the conditions of Muslims
around the world to the best, bringing the obedience of Allah, faith and
safety, peace and prosperity to all Muslims and to accept our fast, prayers,
recitations and all of our good deeds in this holy month of Ramadan and beyond,
and to continue to shower us with His mercy and blessings.Continue reading

Minister Kenney Expresses Solidarity with the Muslim community at the Outaouais Islamic Centre

Gatineau, January 6, 2012 - The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, visited the Outaouais Islamic Centre in
Gatineau, Quebec, to show solidarity with the Muslim community on
behalf of the Government of Canada. The mosque was vandalized with
hateful messages overnight on Thursday, January 4. Minister Kenney spoke
with Muslim faithful who were at the Mosque for the Friday prayer
service. He reiterated Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s strong
condemnation of these heinous attacks and our government’s commitment to
protecting vulnerable religious minority communities both at home and
abroad, through initiatives such as the Security Infrastructure Program
(SIP) and the Office of Religious Freedom. The Mosque leadership also
expressed their gratitude to the Government for facilitating the key
security upgrades they have made through the SIP program.

Bonne Année 1433 Happy New Year

November 29, 2011

Assalamou alaikoum,

The following message from Mayor Tremblay to Montreal Muslims
extending his best wishes for the new Islamic year:

I am pleased to extend my best
wishes for the New Islamic Year 1433 Hijri to my fellow
Montrealers from
the Muslim community. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate
and
to rejoice that we live in a community committed to peace and
harmony here
and throughout the world. The Council of Europe and the European
Commission
have just recognized Montréal as an “Intercultural City” for its
many
intercultural activities. I am pleased to share this honour with
you and
I can promise that we will do everything in our power to build on
Montréal’s
reputation as an inclusive metropolis.Continue reading

First of Muharram 1433 is Sunday November 27th, 2011...

November 26, 2011

Assalamou alaikoum wa rahmatou Allahi wa barakatouh,

This is to let you know that the moon has not been sighted anywhere
in the world on Friday, 29th Zul-Hijja, 1432, 25th of November, 2011,
in accordance with our criteria. Therefore, Saturday, November 26th, is
the 30th day of Zul-Hijja and Sunday, November 27th, is the first day of
Muharram and the first day of the Islamic new year 1433.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you, your family and Muslims around the world all the best.

Please don't forget that Rasoul Allah (SAAW) encouraged fasting the
9th and 10th of Muhrram, which will be on Monday and Tuesday, December
5th and 6th, in shaa Allah. We fast these days to thank Allah Taala for
saving Prophet Mousa (AA) and his people from oppression.

First of Muharram 1433 is Sunday November 27th, 2011...

Assalamou alaikoum wa rahmatou Allahi wa barakatouh,

This is to let you know that the moon has not been sighted anywhere
in the world on Friday, 29th Zul-Hijja, 1432, 25th of November, 2011,
in accordance with our criteria. Therefore, Saturday, November 26th, is
the 30th day of Zul-Hijja and Sunday, November 27th, is the first day of
Muharram and the first day of the Islamic new year 1433.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you, your family and Muslims around the world all the best.

Please don't forget that Rasoul Allah (SAAW) encouraged fasting the
9th and 10th of Muhrram, which will be on Monday and Tuesday, December
5th and 6th, in shaa Allah. We fast these days to thank Allah Taala for
saving Prophet Mousa (AA) and his people from oppression.

This is
to let you know that the moonsighting committee received credible moon sighting
reports, in accordance with our approved criteria. Therefore, Tuesday,
August 30th, will be Eid-ul-Fitr, the first day of Shawwal, in shaa Allah
Taala.

I would
like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and blessed Eid, may
Allah Subhanaho wa Taala accept our Syam, our Qyam, and all our good deeds,
forgive us all our shortcomings and guide us toward success in this life and
the hereafter. Please also remember our brothers and sisters around the world
in your duaa, especially those who may not be able to celebrate Eid fully
because of the hardships they are currently facing.

Jazakoum
Allaho Khiran and Eid Mubarak

Wa
assalamou alaikoum

Salam
Elmenyawi

History is made, and the future opens

February 16, 2011

Muslims and Christians, women and men, young and old, Egyptians came together to topple oppression and broken promises

Witnessing
history in the making is an amazing experience. It is incredible to watch
events you have been waiting for all your life. The 50-second speech announcing
the departure of Hosni Mubarak from Egypt ended 30 years of oppression,
deception, corruption and lack of rights and civil liberties.

The
peaceful protest by the Egyptian people in Tahrir Square, and in many other
cities, was a political earthquake that shook the pillars of corruption and
oppression in Egypt and in many places around the world.

The peak
of disappointment in that 18-day roller-coaster of protests was on Thursday
night, Feb. 10. Everyone expected Mubarak to resign, but he continued to talk
about what he would do to fix the country's problems, about his sacrifices and
how he loves Egypt and its youth. Many people just stopped following the
17-minute speech with the ambiguous reference in the 14th minute about transferring
powers to the vice-president he had just appointed, after failing to appoint
one for 30 years.

To
understand our disappointment, one has to look back at the history of promises
made by Mubarak.

Humanitarian crisis in Haiti: Muslim community launches appeal to help

January 14, 2010

Montreal, Quebec, January 14th, 2010-
The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) urges all Canadians to donate
generously to help the relief efforts in Haiti, following the
devastating earthquake that struck the island nation earlier this week.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that has struck Haiti,”
stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “We strongly urge everyone to
donate generously to help the victims and help relieve the suffering of
millions. There is critical need of food, clean water, shelter and
emergency medical attention. Everyone must do their part to help, in
whatever way possible. At the same time, we remind everyone to give
thanks for their blessings and pray for all the victims.”

Wenesday, November 18th is the first day of Thul-Hijja, and Eid Ul-Adha is on Friday, November 27th, 2009

November 17, 2009

Assalamou alaikoum wa rahmatou Allahi wa barakatouh,

This is to let you know that, based on credible reports, the crescent has been sighted in number of places in our agreed upon horizon (matlaa) in accordance with the imams' approved criteria. Therefore, Wednesday, November 18th will be the first day of Thul-Hijja, and Friday, November 27th will be the day of Eid-ul-Adha, in shaa Allah Taala.Continue reading

MCM announces Ramadan starts on Saturday, August 22nd, in shaa Allah

August 20, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The moon has not been sighted anywhere in our matlaa, and according to the agreed upon criteria, MCM Imams' committee decided on Thursday night, August 20th, that tomorrow is the 30th of Shaaban. Therefore, the first day of Ramadan will be on Saturday, August 22nd, 2009.

On behalf of MCM, and myself, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all, and your families, a very blessed Ramadan. May Allah Taala make it easy for us, change the conditions of Muslims around the world to the best, bringing obedience of Allah, faith and safety, peace and prosperity to all Muslims and to accept our fast, prayers and all of our good deeds in this holy month of Ramadan and beyond, and to continue to shower us with His mercy and blessing.

Answering the questions about humanitarian aid to Gaza, who, how and what?

January 30, 2009

Assalamou alaikoum wa rahmatou Allahi wa
barakatouh,

In the last few weeks many questions were raised as
to through who can we send the humanitarian aid to Gaza? How can such
aid enter Gaza, especially at the time of war and blockade? What kind of aid
would be the best for the inhabitants of Gaza?

Eid is on Wednesday, October 1st, Eid Mubarak to all

September 29, 2008

Assalamou alaikoum wa rahmatou Allahi wa barakatouh,

This is to let you know that we didn't receive any credible moon sighting, in accordance with our imams' approved criteria. Therefore, Wednesday, October 1st will be Eid-ul-Fitr, the first day of Shawwal, and Tuesday, September 30th will be the 30th of Ramadan, 1429, inshaa Allah Taala.

Moonsighting issues and questions

Due to the announcement of some Muslim countries that the
moon was sighted, or Eid will be tomorrow, many of you have been calling to ask
about these announcements and their impact on our announcement in
Montreal.

I would like to reiterate again our position in relation
to these early, unsubstantiated claims of moonsighting:

1. In all the Muslim countries east of Canada the
moon set from 12 minutes before to exactly with the sunset,
depending on the city, and the birth of the moon was below 10 hours. These
facts make it impossible for the moon to be seen or to be in the
horizon at the time of sighting. It is absolutely certain that the moon was
not on the horizon at the time moon should be observed, which is after sunset,
in any of the Muslim countries east of Canada.

Ramadan 2008

August 31, 2008

The MCM moonsighting committee is pleased to announce that the first of
Ramadan, 1429, is Monday, September 1st, 2008, according to the agreed
upon Moonsighting Criteria, and abased on credible moonsightings in many
places around the world.

The MCM committee has received two independent sightings by two brothers, the shehada was taken by. Sh. Ewais, the Imam of Anselme Lavigne mosque.

McGill panel to tackle Bouchard-Taylor report

May 23, 2008

Political commentary, religious response on tap as experts gather for open forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, May 23, 2008

McGill University's Faculty of Religious Studies will host a panel discussion on Tuesday, May, 27, at noon, to address the issues raised by the report of the Bouchard-Taylor Commission, formally known as the Consultation Commission on Accommodation Practices Related to Cultural Differences in Quebec Society

"This will be an opportunity to reflect and respond to what has turned out to be a fairly controversial report," said Prof. Daniel Cere, one of the main organizers of the discussion, which will be held in the foyer of the Birks Building, 3520 University St., Montreal.

Eid Moubarak

October 11, 2007

MCM announces Eid is on Saturday, October 13th. Eid Mubarak to you and yours.

The moon has not been sighted anywhere, and according to the agreed upon criteria, MCM Imams' committee announced at 10:00 pm, tonight that tomorrow is the 30th of Ramadan and thus the Eid would be on Saturday, October 13th, 2007.

On behalf of MCM, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and blessed Eid ul-Fitr, may Allah Taala Bless you and yours. And may HE accepts our Syaam, Qyam, recitations of the holy Quran, and all our good deeds in this holy month of Ramadan; and may HE grant us all our good wishes, and forgive us our shortcomings. Ameen.

Ramadan starts on Thursday September 13th

September 11, 2007

Ramadan Mubarak To All

The moon has not been sighted anywhere, and according to the agreed upon criteria, MCM Imams' committee announced at 10:00 pm tonight that Ramadan starts on Thursday, September 13th, inshaa Allahi Taala.

Furthermore, this decision was unanimous in all of Montreal and in total unity, wa alhmdou lillah. Congratulation.

Former Malaysian Taekowndo Player's statement in support of Hijab

Tae-Kwon-Do Hijab Incident: Letter Of Opinion From An Expert

April 17, 2007

The following is a letter by an expert in the field of the Tae Kwon Do sport. The letter is another indication that this obsession with hijab and religious accommodations in Quebec is clearly stamped "fabricated in Quebec" and not made anywhere else.
__________

Dear editor,

I am a Tae Kwon Do master and a former international champion. Before coming to Canada, I was a former member of the Egyptian national team. I currently teach martial arts in the Physical Education and Kinesiology Department at McGill.

Tae-Kwon-Do Hijab Incident: Open Letter Of Support

April 16, 2007

Dear Muslim Council of Montreal and Montreal Muslim Community Centre,

I wish to write to show my unequivocal admiration and support for Zeinab Nasser and Bissan Mansour, their coach, their team, families and community. The courage these two girls have recently displayed is tremendous and should be a source of pride for any person/community seeking justice and the practice of human rights.

Annual Lecture on Diversity and Canadian Media

Information relating to Thul Hijja moonsighting and Arafat time announcement

December 21, 2006

Assalamou alaikoum wa rahmatou Allahi wa barakatouh,

As many people have been requesting information concerning the beginning of Thul-Hijja, MCM would like to convey the following information:
1) Saudi announcement of the day of Arafah and Eid.
2) Information relating to Thul-Hijja moonsighting in North America.

Please note that this is not an MCM announcement concerning the local Eid time. Due to the fact that there will be different times for Eid, MCM will not announce an official date unless our local imams agree on such a date. Efforts will be made in the coming few days to reach consensus among our organisations, following which you will be informed inshaa Allah.

Eid Moubarak

October 22, 2006

With the blessing of Allah Taala everyone in Montreal is celebrating Eid tomorrow (Monday 23rd October). I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy Eid Ul-Fitr, Eid Mubarak to you and your family, may Allah Taala accept our Salat, Qiam, recitations of the holy Quran and our good deeds, grant us all our good wishes, and forgive us our shortcomings. Ameen.

Best wishes, wa assalamou alaikoum
Salam Elmenyawi

CIC & MCM Scholarships now offered in Montreal

June 30, 2006

This is to announce the CIC & MCM cooperation in establishing and awarding special scholarships in Montreal to encourage Muslim students to choose special fields of study. It is very important for Muslims to attain studies in these fields such as journalism, social works, doctors (specially for sisters), political science, law ...etc.

Canadian Jewish Congress (QR) condemns recent attack on Montreal Imam

MONTREAL, JUNE 12, 2006 – Canadian Jewish Congress, Quebec Region (CJC,QR) officials have condemned the recent attack on Imam Said Jazeri outside a Montreal Mosque. The Imam and a friend were attacked by a knife-wielding man in front of the Al-Qods mosque on Belanger Street in Montreal North on Friday night. The perpetrator was arrested soon after the attack.

A letter from the United Church of Canada

As Christians, who are called to love our neighbours as ourselves, we are grieved by the troubling unrest that has arisen because of the publications of the cartoons of the prophet Muhammad.

We are aware of the complexity of the problems that have arisen in response to this unrest. We recognize four areas of difficulty that need immediate attention. These are:
issues of respect for religious beliefs,
mutual ignorance and fear of the other,
freedom of speech,
and journalistic ethics.

HUMAN RIGHTS EXPERTS CALL FOR TOLERANCE AND DIALOGUE IN WAKE OF CONTROVERSY OVER REPRESENTATIONS OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD

February 13, 2006

In light of the recent offensive publication of representations of the Prophet Muhammad by the media in some countries, and the serious reactions it has prompted in various parts of the world, the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, and the Special Rapporteur for the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, who have carefully followed the situation in the past months, make a special call for tolerance and dialogue.

Mohammed caricatures: the Government of Québec calls for non-violence and dialog

February 12, 2006

MONTRÉAL, Feb. 9 /CNW Telbec/ - In recent weeks, the publication of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed in many European newspapers has outraged Muslim communities around the world and in some cases sparked violence. The
Government of Québec and Muslims in Canada denounce this violence, while acts of vandalism at two Laval-area mosques underscore the importance of strengthening a pacifist and serene dialog.

The Muslim Community reaction in relation to the offensive cartoons and subsequent events

February 9, 2006

Muslim Coordination Committee for Justice
The Muslim Community reaction in relation to the offensive cartoons and subsequent events

(Montréal, Qc. 08/02/06) – The Muslim Community representatives will be holding a press conference in response to the offensive and insulting cartoon depiction of Prophet Mohammed. The unfair treatment of Islam by the Danish cartoonists has generated world-wide Muslim protests, heated inter-cultural debate, and a growing sense of crisis.

Post Election Feb 2006

January 23, 2006

Alhmdou lillah, we done what we could to get the best exposure for Muslims in this election campaign. But now we should look beyond this election, as we learned our lessons from this election and the last ones.

It is certainly too late to wait until the election to start campaigning fro our issues. We should have a five year plan to help protect our rights, and before the next election is called (which may be very soon).

The following points should be acted upon as soon as possible by everyone, individuals and organisations:
Continue reading

Message From Pierre Pettigrew to the Muslim Community

January 17, 2006

The following is a message received by the Muslim Council of Montreal from Mr. Pierre Pettigrew, the candidate for Papineau and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, clarifying his position in relation to issues important to the Muslim Community as a follow up to our meeting with him. Please also note that the content of the letter was approved by the Prime Minister's Office.
Please read, post and announce to members of your organisation so that our brothers and sisters would be able to consider this signed commitment when they go to the poll.

Civil Liberties: A Communal StruggleMCM First Annual Community Dinner-Conference

November 30, 2005

In the anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Muslim Council of Montreal is holding its First Annual Community Dinner / Civil Liberty & Human Rights Conference on December 10th, 2005.

As a growing religious minority in a post 2001 context, the Montreal Muslim community finds itself defending its rights on a daily basis. This struggle to protect basic religious freedoms and civil liberties has become increasingly effective over the years as we have learned how to work with government officials and communicate our message through media agencies. However, at the same time the demand and urgency for advocacy work has also grown at a rapid pace.

Eid Mubarak

November 3, 2005

MCM announces Eid is on Thursday, November 3rd. Eid Mubarak to you and yours.

Muslim Council of Montreal has decided that tomorrow, Thursday November 3rd, is the day of Eid, first day of Shawwal. MCM's moon sighting committee (Montreal imams) made the above decision after learning that the moon has been sighted in North America.
Continue reading

MCM calls on Muslims to support the victims of Saturday's Earthquake in Pakistan, India and Afghanistan

October 9, 2005

The MCM has been deeply saddened by the news that Saturday's powerful earthquake has devastated regions in Pakistan, India and Afghanistan causing a very large number of fatalities, injuries and destructions.

Initial reports estimate more than 53,000 killed and 65,000 people believed injured and 3.0 million homeless according to Pakistan Major-General Shaukat Sultan.

NATIONAL IMAMS STATEMENT

"We are Canadian Muslims. The first of us came to this country in the 1800's. We have journeyed from six continents to make Canada our home.

"Our life in Canada has been one of positive contribution and near seamless integration. It has not been a clash of cultures or of civilizations.

"Canada has offered us a new life with untold opportunities. It has offered us a hope that can only be repaid with thankfulness and sacrifice. We care deeply about Canada's prosperity, its growth and its safety and security.

"Those who would use violence for their twisted acts betray the most basic value of the sanctity of human life. We have opposed, and will continue, to oppose all extremism, hate and terrorism.

Muslim Council of Montreal Calls on Canadian Government to Protect Charitable Status of Religious Groups

June 12, 2005

Threat of losing their charitable status if they refuse to perform same-sex marriages seen as a form of coercion
Montreal June 12, 2005 (MCM): The Muslim Council of Montreal is alarmed over reports that religious groups who oppose same-sex marriages are in possible danger of losing their charitable status in Canada.

SPEAK UP AGAINST THE ANTI-ISLAM LIBERAL MOTION IN QUEBEC

June 3, 2005

The Muslim Council of Montreal invites Muslims and people of conscious to write, fax or phone prime minister Jean Charest to issue an apology and rescind this regressive motion, which is totally against freedom of religions, a right held dearly by all Quebecers and all Canadians.

Suggested Voting Guidelines To The Muslim Community

April 23, 2004

The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) urges all eligible voters in the Muslim community to exercise their right to vote in the June 28th Canadian federal election. In addition, MCM encourages members of the Muslim community to vote strategically, and to study the candidates and their previous records on a variety of issues before making a decision and not just blindly vote along party lines.

Muslim Council of Montreal denounces CANWEST's article

March 8, 2004

The Muslim Council of Montral (MCM) is greatly disturbed by the allegations levied in the article "Saudis Fund Radicals in Canada" in the Friday July 30th version of the Montral Gazette and the National Post, both owned by CanWest.

MONTREAL MUSLIM STUDENT EXPELLED FROM SCHOOL FOR WEARING HIJAB

September 22, 2003

Irene Waseem was barred from attending her classes on September 2nd, 2003, after arriving to school on the first day of classes wearing hijab, a headscarf worn by Muslim women for religious reasons. Waseem, a Muslim student in her graduating year at École Charlemagne, was sent home by school officials and told that she would not be allowed back unless she removes her hijab.

On March 11th the Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) issued an action alert urging all Montreal Muslims and their well-wishers to support Muslim students' fundamental Human Rights under existing Canadian, Quebec and International law so that they can perform their prayers and freely practice their faith without harassment at the Ecole de Technologie Superieure (ETS). (http://www.etsmtl.ca/) here in Montreal.